Saint Calvados is 5/2 favourite with the sponsors after eight horses were left in Saturday's Betfair Ascot Chase.
Paul Nicholls' charge would be dropping back in trip having finished third behind Tornado Flyer in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, looking a danger to all when sweeping to the front early in the straight prior to being passed by the winner and Nicholls stablemate Clan Des Obeaux.
Nicky Henderson is set to run Mister Fisher (7/2) who was back to winning ways in the Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase last time.
Fanion D'Estruval (4/1) will bid to continue the fine run of the Venetia Williams team, while Irish raider Fakir D'Oudairies (9/2) chased home Allaho at Thurles last time and could line up for trainer Joseph O'Brien.
“He had a good run last time in Thurles and a good run before that in the John Durkan,” said O’Brien.
“This looks a good opportunity for him to be competitive in Grade One company.
“He has been beaten by Allaho the last twice, I thought it was a good run last time considering he made quite a bad mistake early on but he came home well.
“I hope he’ll be competitive. I think it’s the plan for Mark (Walsh) to go over and ride. I haven’t had chance to speak to Frank (Berry, JP McManus’ racing manager) yet, but that would be the plan and is most likely.”
Fakir D’Oudairies was entered at Lingfield’s inaugural Winter Million meeting but O’Brien felt that would have entailed too many trips across the Irish Sea in one season.
“We had the option of Lingfield but as I said at the time, there was the possibility of going to England three or four times, so we decided to run at home and then come here. The Ryanair and Aintree are the two logical steps,” said O’Brien.
“Whether you miss the Ryanair and wait for Aintree or do both, it will probably depend on how how trains after Ascot.”
Dashel Drasher, Lostintranslation, Waiting Patiently and Two For Gold complete a strong-looking potential field.
Betfair spokesperson Barry Orr said: "Saint Calvados dropping back in trip is a very interesting proposition and heads our market at 5/2, but Joseph O’Brien has elected to run Fakir D’Oudairies here and at 9/2 he could be the one punters latch onto in the coming days."
Betfair Ascot Chase – Sponsors Betting: 5/2 Saint Calvados, 7/2 Mister Fisher, 4/1 Fanion D’Estruval, 9/2 Dashel Drasher, 9/2 Fakir D’Oudairies, 8/1 Lostintranslation, 12/1 Waiting Patiently, Two For Gold.
